The Benjamin School

We love this school! My child is doing amazing here! The quality of education is unbeatable in this area.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters, both will be attending Ivy League colleges as a result of attending The Benjamin School. The oldest graduated in 2012 and is attending Cornell and the youngest just received an early decision to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 2013. The academic culture at this school is second to none. I highly recommend sending your child to this school if you want them to be well rounded and prepared for college!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children that are thriving at Benjamin. They all have different personalities and each learn differently as well. The student to teacher ratio is small. The teachers know our children well and are able to customize their learning experience. My children transferred from great schools in Minnesota, yet our experience at Benjamin is much better. Benjamin has a strong leadership, great teachers and provides a very comfortable environment for our children. Our children are eager to attend school each morning. The programs are challenging yet taught in a way that keep the children engaged. The teachers are constantly taking extra-curricular courses to learn about the different and better methods for teaching and learning. The school has a great focus on teaching our children about life skills. We feel very blessed to be a part of The Benjamin School community.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will be a senior at Benjamin this year..the last of 14 years. Yes, there were a few bumps, some bullies in middle school, and yes, some were from well to do families. I doubt this problem is confined to economics or private schools. Benjamin has been a wonderful, amazing experience. My daughter will tell you herself how grateful she is to her father and l for giving her the opportunity to attend Benjamin. We have seen numerous families leave the school over the years, some to save the money for college and others over sour grapes. Families that are about who has more money tend to have children who judge each other over homes, clothes and cars. Over the years my daughter has had friends of every color, every religion, and every economic status. Values might be reinforced at school but they are taught at home. Some critics might want to think that over.
—Submitted by a parent

The Benjamin School was at one time a respected school in the Northern Palm Beaches. Unfortunately, TBS is no longer competitive in a region with some elite magnet schools and well positioned private schools. Unable to sustain enrollment, TBS has been forced to raise tuition and lower financial aid. With increased costs of maintaining two campuses, one has to wonder the viability of TBS going forward. Well funded Oxbridge provides a better private HS option with better faculty, lower tuition and guaranteed financial aid. Suncoast is a top 10 high school nationally, and Dreyfoos is the top arts hs in the US. Dwyer has nationally ranked athletics. Where does that leave TBS without any competitive advantage in this very competitive market? On the outside looking in, and with a medocre college placement record and poor performance in local awards including the Pathfinder as well as regional or state recognition for the Arts. Perhaps new leadership and a culture to reshape TBS will be its only chance for survival.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very surprised at some of these reviews. I have been attending this school since lower school and am now in high school. The school has great leadership and academics. It is also very well rounded by integrating the arts and spots into the curriculum. I have friends that have graduated this school and went to prestigious colleges and they've said that they are so prepared for everything unlike some other people at the college.I highly recommend this school.

Sorry for the typo in my review below. *I was punched in the face by a student while at public school.

I went to tbs for 7 years, pre-k-5 and it was horrible. The classes were way to easy and kids who excelled in math in fifth grade, about 5-10 a class, sat outside in the hall and worked on a packet none of which was explained to us even though we had to take the same quizzes as the other students, although the more advanced children were not taught these lessons. There is a lot of bullying whether or not the teachers hear of it which makes school very unpleasant. Many people still at tbs hate it there and want to switch schools. Some people I know who have left are so happy that they got to leave. Going to public school, a magnet school, helped me realize that not everyone is rich and rude,

Outstanding School. Parents that are shocked about the demographic related to the wealth are being silly who do they think will be attracted to private schools. The benefit related to the cost is excellent. Great leadership, teachers and infrastructure. Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

My youngest is graduating in May and my only regret is that we didn't move to Florida sooner so she and her sister could have had more years at this wonderful school. Great teachers, administrators, and families. Gorgeous campuses and polite students. I will miss being a part of The Benjamin School.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attended The Benjamin School for 3 years, pk-1 & although the grounds & amenities appear to be above many peer schools- looks can be deceiving ! First we learned that our child would not benefit in any sports/enrichment classes until after 2nd grade. Second, when tbs finally figured out it was important / beneficial & that their peers were offering post school enrichments & parents demanded it ( tbs also lost 300 students in 1 yr) they finally agreed to offer add on after school enrichment a fee days per week at an additional expense ( school is 8:15-2:45 at cost of $15-$17k per year then you pay more bc they don't offer the use of those beautiful facilities until Around 3rd grade? Next topic post will be on tutoring @ $75 / hr where tbs retains $25 & teachers get $50 & going rate for accreited teacher is $55/hr Once again tbs found a way to make money & increase price of tutoring for tbs students! Teachers are required to schedule all tutoring through the school & may not tutor tbs students off campus ( ie tbs must get their $25 cut)! More to. Come about teacher layoffs , treatment of teachers by removing simple benefits (teacher coffee in lounge removed) no water in rm
—Submitted by a parent

I attend the Benjamin School. I am in eighth grade and I very much so dislike it. The school looks great from the outside but when you attend it is terrible. Every kid who goes here are spoiled and over privileged . The curriculum is terrible for the price you must pay.In the high school there are multiple drug problems, especially chewing tobacco. I personally have attended six schools and this is by far the worst. I beg you not to send your child here.

As an alumnus of Benjamin (and former member of the "14 year club", meaning I was there for lower, middle, & upper school), I'll throw in my two cents: This school is exactly what you make of it. Because TBS attracts "rich kids", some parents expect that it will miraculously foster the talent & character that their kids don't actually have- Sorry, that's not possible. Unfortunately, money can only buy your child so much. However, for the talented (whether that be academically, artistically, and/or athletically), there are more than plenty of state-of-the-art opportunities at Benjamin. The close-knit environment is much more safe and supportive than those of the jumbo public schools in the area (despite the 20-30 dull snobs that seem to squeeze their way into every graduating class). The writing and math programs are also INCREDIBLE- I matriculated into an ivy league school and felt more prepared in these areas than the majority of my classmates. Bottom line: If you have the money & are in the South Florida area, send your child. There's really no better option.

I spent four years and almost 100k at this school. Then pulled my children out and put them in public school. They were straight A students at Benjamin and were behind in the public schools. I would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Ive read the previous reviews and I'm shocked. Both of my children attend the Benjamin school and have started since Pre-K. They are taking 4 languages each. I believe that the childhood years are the most crucial in development that's why I choose this establishment. The school is a monument but it's the parents, teachers, and staff that make the school a special place. The school takes great pride in all aspects. Every detail is taken into prospective. There are children that are mentally gifted but not developmentally. These children are getting the best of all worlds. The Social and economic student body varies and basing a childs education on this is very unusual. My children are from a middle income family that appreciate the education and "love" they receive. The social, physical, and mental development in my children in this establishment is priceless.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the Benjamin School. Disappointed with the quality of the Lower School Academics. TBS is going through hard times and suffering as a result of extremely weak leadership. School appears to be more concerned with appearance than quality or performance.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at the Benjamin School for 9 years-honor roll...took out this year. Most boys usually a year older-can be disadvantage for those of the correct age re: athletics/puberty. Academics for lower school needs to be stronger. Middle school often requires extra at home. Teacher assistance for help -usually paid tutoring. Test scores are marginal. High school/college placement fair but not great. Discipline/rules consequences not followed consistently.
—Submitted by a parent

Benjamin is the biggest hype: My child went for KG to 4th grade, I finally sent her to the public school. The reason was not Money. The school claims that they use Garten's methodology to teach the students .. the biggest joke you will find. If you search on Internet , this method was developed more than 40 years ago and it failed in the schools. Currently less than 0.01% of the schools in the world use this methodology: The reason? Benjamin wants to show the obscure methodology they use so the parents are impressed with the unknown names and unknown theories!!! If the method was worth anything, wouldn't public schoools be using that? US spends significant amount of money in various methodology, wouldnt they use in the public schools also? Look at the books for this method, they are simply primitive. I wish I had known before!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have one child who has attended Benjamin for the past 10 years. We can't imagine a better place for our daughter. Yes, the tuition is high but the value for what is paid is wonderful. I do note that each negative comment begins with mention of the high tuition. This school seems to engender much hostility from those who can either not get in or cannot afford to remain. There is a reason this school attracts the children of families that demand, and can afford, the best for their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We pulled our daughter out and have her in a gifted program at a public school. This school is not worth the money charged. They are always asking for more money, nickle and diming you. Not worth the money-look somewhere else
—Submitted by a parent